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CS Duale offers to resign if Ruto feels he has let him down

Defence CS Aden Duale at a past event. (X/Aden Duale)

By Lucy Mumbi | Thursday, July 4, 2024

Duale has urged the President to evaluate his administration and remove any burdensome members, including himself.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has declared his readiness to accept any repercussions if he has failed to meet President William Ruto's expectations.

The statement comes in the wake of demands by anti-government protesters for Ruto to step down due to the increased tax burden amid harsh economic times.

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The protesters, primarily youths, have called for a change in presidential leadership and the dismissal of lawmakers, accusing parliamentarians of corruption and neglecting the public's interests.

However, in an interview with Citizen TV, Duale emphasised that he is willing to be the first to step aside if necessary, to benefit the country.

“If the President feels I have let him down as Minister for Defence, I want him to do the right thing. Start with me and all the rest who have let him down in the interest of all the people of Kenya and tell us to step aside to have a new team. I am ready, look at me, quote me,” he said.

He urged the President to evaluate his administration and remove any burdensome members, including himself.

While reflecting on his extensive political career, he stressed that his removal would be justified if it would help steer the country in the right direction.

“I have served the people of Kenya as a Member of Parliament, as Leader of the Majority, and in the last two years as Cabinet Minister for Defence. The people of Kenya, through former President Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, have given me a chance to serve, but if I am part of the problem that is bedevilling the country called Kenya and our state affairs, let him start with me,” he said.

The Defence CS highlighted that President Ruto must reset his administration for the country's betterment.

He argued that the slogan “Ruto must go” was a creation of opposition leaders and politicians against Ruto’s leadership, asserting that these individuals hope to prematurely unseat the President before the end of his term, as they fear losing in the 2027 elections.

“Those are words that are coming from those who should occupy their places in the opposition, traditional people who never voted for Ruto and we respect their views but Ruto is the President today,” he said.

He reiterated the importance of politicians heeding the voices of young people and effecting meaningful changes. He also warned that leaders relying on tribal lines for political success face the end of their era.

“The President must reset. We have to listen to the vital voices and they are categorically saying we are tribeless,” he said.